Updates on Argyle projects (column)

London Community News

Last Wednesday (April 25), the Argyle Community Association held its third Annual General Meeting starting with a few brief comments from Ward 2 Councillor Bill Armstrong. The skate park on Wavell Street is working smoothly and much appreciated by our courageous artists on wheels. City council is well aware the noise barrier issue along Veterans Memorial Parkway is never going to go away. Proper studies will be conducted right in people’s backyards in order to obtain “sound” scientific data. The ReForest London tree sale at East Lions Park on April 28 was a resounding success with over 100 all-Canadian species of trees being sold, which is just another little step towards planting one million trees in 10 years. An Argyle Family Day, scheduled for May 26, is still a go. We urge everyone to come out to 3M’s Anniversary Park at Oxford Street and Clarke Road. This venue offers everything for a great picnic. (See April’s column online at www.londoncommunitynews.com). Meet and greet your friends, enjoy some free hotdogs and hamburgers, but best of all, let’s get together to strengthen our bonds with our neighbours in Argyle. The first 100 families will receive one free tree seedling, donated by ReForest London Our Membership Committee reported we are now 576 strong (actually 600, as of Monday). Our goal is to reach at least 2,000. The ACA’s growth rate has been spectacular; in fact, 30 times compared to the city (about one per cent) just in the last year. City council: Are you following this development? As the membership chair, I repeatedly hear the same comments from new members as they fill out their application: “It’s about time we’re getting something done in Argyle.” However, the overwhelming complaint remains a lack of trust by Argyle residents in regards to receiving a fair shake from city council. No wonder we’ll be watching and listening when the long-overdue report about a proposed recreation/community complex will be tabled “sometime” in June. Still, because of the current tax freeze, Argyle residents will be wondering and worrying how far into the future this project will be deferred to, even though it’s finally been promised after a 50-year wait. A well-deserved community complex is only one of the projects needing dire attention in Central East London. Among others, the condition of the three worst roads in Canada — First, Second and Third streets. Why were (and is when it comes to Third Street) these horrible roads only partially upgraded, remaining in pitiful condition halfway to Dundas Street? The demolition of the building at Hale and Dundas streets keeps dragging on and on. Is there really no way to have this eyesore removed? When will we have a firm date for upgrading the intersection of Gore and Hamilton roads? There is a spate of other long-neglected work needing attention. Tax-freeze or no, let’s not once again take away from Argyle that has already received so little. Thank you Phil McLeod for sharing your wisdom with us at our recent meeting, particularly by giving us advice when dealing with city council. Lots of ACA members are avid readers of your daily blog, and weekly column in this newspaper, and yes Phil, you are indeed London’s premier civic affairs critic. Thank goodness there is someone who has the courage to write with a bite yet also praises (though not about council’s raises). You can contact Nick Sauter, membership chair, Argyle Community Association, at 519-451-0658 or email nsauter@londonaca.com.